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December Newsletter

LAC 2018 Snapshots

Read-A-Thon Kick-Off Snapshots

Guam IRA Donates Children's Books to Organizations -

On November 18, 2017, the Guam Council of the International Reading Association donated books to three organizations during its 17th Annual Community Book Fair held at the Agana Shopping Center. The organizations that received the book donation include the Micronesian Resource Center; Philippine School; and Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association.

Apply to become a Guam IRA member for $25!

Click on the form above to download the IRA membership form. Please note that you will have to fill out both forms. The second form is for you to keep as a receipt. Membership will become official once payment is received in full at an IRA meeting. For more information, contact Stephanie Taitano.

UOG Graduate Credit

Members have the opportunity to get a graduate credit from UOG. Grading for the course is based on attending the monthly meetings of the Guam IRA and submitting reflective journal entries. For more information, visit Dr. Rivera or Martha Sudo at the IRA course/SOE Alumni Association table.

Official IRA Pamphlet Available

Who We Are

The Guam Council of the International Reading Association (IRA) is a non-profit professional organization concerned with improving the quality of reading instruction and developing literacy on Guam and in the Pacific Region.

Our Mission

Our mission is to develop an awareness of the impact of reading among all people. Guam IRA strives to making reading a lifelong habit for our young readers. It also aims towards making connections to the island's community through various projects and events.

Why Join IRA?

Guam IRA Purpose

To promote reading on Guam

To sponsor conferences and meetings

To encourage the study of reading problems in all educational levels

To stimulate and promote research in reading

To study the various factors that influence reading

To publish the results of pertinent and significant investigations and practices

To assist in the development and provision for professional and community reading programs

To serve as a clearinghouse for information related to reading

To promote mutual understanding and cooperate work among educators

Guam IRA History

The Guam Council-IRA was established on April 15, 1968 by seventeen people dedicated to promoting reading on the island of Guam.The local council’s membership had grown since then with over 300 educators, parents, students and community members involved in many reading projects.

In 1979, the first Read-A-Thon was held to benefit the local public television.Currently the annual Read-A-Thon provides Professional Educator Grants, underwrites the public television’s Reading Rainbow Program, offers monthly Professional Development Meetings, and many other reading endeavors in the schools and community.

The first visiting author in 1990 was Norman Bridwell. Since that time, the local council has sponsored at least two authors, illustrators, or story tellers annually.These individuals inspire children to become better readers, skillful artists, andhealthier individuals.

The local council organized its first Community Book Fair in 2000.Students, parents, educators, and community members were invited to read aloud, observe dance and musical performances, and given the opportunity to purchase affordable books for family members or friends.

The council also sponsors approximately six members to attend the Annual International Reading Association Convention.Upon their return to the island, these individuals share their experiences through mini workshops.The Young Adult Café, which was established in 2003, was an inspiration from the annual convention.

The Guam Council of the International Reading Association has been recognized as an Honor Council, placed in the President’s Club and Membership Honor Roll, and received the Community Service Award.The local council will continue to provide reading projects, but also search for better ways to improve reading on the island of Guam and Micronesia.

Guam IRA Newsletter Archive

Guam IRA Author Visits Archive

Honor Council Award

The Guam Council - International Reading Association has been recognized as an HONOR COUNCIL of the International Reading Association for its achievements in programs, membership promotion and community service.

The council was also awarded the MEMBERSHIP HONOR ROLL in recognition of outstanding membership achievement.